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Water loss during first weeks

akf2000
akf2000 Posts: 278 Member
edited December 2024 in Health and Weight Loss
We hear a lot about the fact that the dramatic loss in the first few weeks is because of water but how.. err.. how, not how I mean where is this, you know, water lost?

Replies

  • Clarewho
    Clarewho Posts: 494 Member
    Put simply - when you first start a calorie deficit your body will use its store of glycogen held in your liver/muscles for energy. As this is burned, the associated water held with it is also released. As water has a weight it shows as a larger 'loss' in the first week. Conversely when you finish a deficit and enter maintenance it reverses - which can be a shock when you're not expecting it :wink:
  • akf2000
    akf2000 Posts: 278 Member
    Clarewho wrote: »
    Put simply - when you first start a calorie deficit your body will use its store of glycogen held in your liver/muscles for energy. As this is burned, the associated water held with it is also released. As water has a weight it shows as a larger 'loss' in the first week. Conversely when you finish a deficit and enter maintenance it reverses - which can be a shock when you're not expecting it :wink:

    Thanks! I was also asking.. basically is the water urinated? I mean I've lost a ridiculous amount in 12 days but I don't remember urinating like a horse at any point.
  • LivingtheLeanDream
    LivingtheLeanDream Posts: 13,342 Member
    The water is lost through our pee and also when we breathe out we are actually getting rid of 'water' as such.
  • Clarewho
    Clarewho Posts: 494 Member
    Yes - exhalation, urination, sweat. That's why people ask why they 'lose weight' during the night. Sorry if I misinterpreted the original question.
  • akf2000
    akf2000 Posts: 278 Member
    Clarewho wrote: »
    Yes - exhalation, urination, sweat. That's why people ask why they 'lose weight' during the night. Sorry if I misinterpreted the original question.

    hah! thanks for that, both of you.

    Yes the night/morning readings are worlds apart. It just also seems so bizarre. I can't envisage how much water is in 10lbs.
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